New class of rearrangeable nonblocking multicast free-space optical switches

In this paper, we propose N × N rearrangeable nonblocking multicast free-space optical switches. Our design exploits nonmovable tri-state switching elements (T-SEs) that support signal splitting and switching simultaneously and seamlessly, and thus, separate splitting stages used in the conventional...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of optical communications and networking 2016-08, Vol.8 (8), p.569-581
Main Authors: Hamza, Abdelbaset S., Deogun, Jitender S., Alexander, Dennis R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Beams (radiation)
Complexity
Complexity theory
Cost analysis
Free space optical
Hardware
MEMS
Micromechanical devices
Mirrors
Multicast
Optical amplifiers
Optical device fabrication
Optical switches
Optical switching
Splitting
Switches
Switching
Unicast
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Summary:In this paper, we propose N × N rearrangeable nonblocking multicast free-space optical switches. Our design exploits nonmovable tri-state switching elements (T-SEs) that support signal splitting and switching simultaneously and seamlessly, and thus, separate splitting stages used in the conventional multicast switches are not needed. It follows that the propagation loss that may be encountered by an optical beam passing through a splitting stage followed by a crossbar (e.g., splitter-and-delivery-based switches) can be avoided in the proposed switch, since the beam passes through only a single stage. The proposed switch exhibits an optimal hardware complexity, as it requires only N(N + 1) /2 T-SEs. The switch is analyzed and compared to existing optical multicast switches in terms of hardware complexity, power loss, and cost. Comparison results show that the proposed switch provides multicast capability with a lower hardware complexity and a comparable performance. Cost analysis shows that for N = 4, the overall cost of the new design is lower than that of existing strictly nonblocking switches, even if the T-SE is 3.5 to 10 times the cost of typical microelectromechanical systems mirrors. In addition, we present a simple routing algorithm that systematically establishes connections over the new switch.
ISSN:1943-0620
1943-0639
DOI:10.1364/JOCN.8.000569